Publications Library

The Office of the New York State Attorney General offers informational publications on a variety of issues important to New Yorkers.

Additional languages

Use the translate tool at the top of our website to view a publication in non-English languages.

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We offer printed copies of our public materials, at no charge, in the following formats: 12 of the most common non-English languages spoken in New York, large print, and Braille. Please allow adequate time for us to fulfill your request.

Popular publications

stack of tenant rights publication

Tenants' rights

Learn about leases, rent, livability, safety, utility services, and tenants' personal protections (not including co-op or condominium housing).

stack of smart seniors booklets

Smart seniors

We offer guidance to help senior citizens better understand how to protect themselves against scams, threats to their health, and elder abuse.

Person dropping car keys into another's hand

Autos


Lemon law brochure
If your new or used car does not meet its warranty requirements, New York’s “lemon laws” may provide a legal remedy.
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Buying a car
Get tips on researching vehicles, choosing a dealer, and knowing what to look for in a contract.
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AG james packing things into a box with others around

Charities


Dissolution of not-for-profit corporations with assets
Use our guidance and checklists for dissolving your corporation and disposing of assets.
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Dissolution of not-for-profit corporations without assets
We offer guidance, checklists, and forms to help you dissolve your corporation. 
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Donating to charity safely and wisely
Read our advice on donating safely and wisely. Ensure your donation goes as far as it can. 
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Forming and changing not-for-profit corporations
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Houses of worship for lease or sale: congregants' guide
Know your rights. You may have voting rights regarding the sale, lease, or mortgage of your organization.
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Hiring a professional fundraiser tips
Ensure that your fundraiser is reputable, honest, and fair, and won't charge more than you can afford.
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Internal controls for not-for-profit boards
Protect your assets, improve your reporting, help you comply with laws, and have efficient operations.
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Management of endowment funds for charities
Use our guidance on managing investing funds for your not-for-profit organization. 
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Mergers and consolidations of not-for-profits
Learn about required approvals registration, and petitions. Understand how to form a plan. 
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Not-for-profit corporations: directors' responsibilities
Our guidance helps you understand and carry out your fiduciary duties to your organization. 
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Religious corporations: disposition of assets 
Ensure that your house of worship follows the laws and correct procedures for disposing of assets. 
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Sales and other dispositions of assets
Our guidance, checklists, and tips help you comply with laws and accomplish a successful transaction. 
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AG James sitting on I love New York sign with kids

Civil rights


Employment discrimination
Workplace discrimination is illegal. Learn what to do if you experience or witness it. 
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Equal pay
Learn your rights and get helpful resources to ensure that you are paid fairly and equitably.
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Fair housing
Learn about laws concerning discrimination in the rental, sale, or financing of homes.
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Human trafficking
Identify the signs of human trafficking. Find help for yourself or anyone victimized by this crime.
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Immigration services fraud
Immigrants have rights under the law. Use our tips to avoid scams that target you.
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Language access
No matter your primary language or hearing impairment, you have a legal right to information and services.
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Marijuana legalization and record expungement
Get detailed instructions on expunging marijuana-related convictions from your criminal record.
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Religious rights in the workplace
Learn the rights and responsibilities of workers and employers for accommodating religious needs.
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Service animals
Laws protect people who rely upon service animals, particularly in public accommodations and housing.
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Sexual harassment in the workplace
Learn about sexual harassment, the steps you can take, and what to do about retaliation for a harassment complaint.
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Source-of-income discrimination
In some areas, landlords cannot discriminate against you if your income does not come from wages.
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AG James delivering eggs with a group of people

Consumers


After the storm
Get tips for dealing with repair contractors and avoiding price gouging after natural disasters.
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Debt: Managing the overload
Learn about dealing with debt collectors and seeking help from credit-counseling agencies.
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Deed theft
Avoid deed theft and similar scams and keep possession of your home.
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e-Bike safety
Your e-bike is valuable to you and helps you do your job. Protect yourself with our tips.
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Hiring a home-improvement contractor
Learn about hiring a home-improvement contractor, avoiding scams, and getting your money's worth.
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Identity theft kit
Here are immediate steps to take if your identity or other personal information has been stolen.
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IRS scams
Avoid being scammed by con artists pretending to represent the Internal Revenue Service.
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Low-cost banking
Find low-cost services that banks must provide consumers, plus other options like prepaid debit cards.
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Payday loans
Read about payday and other types of short-term, high-interest loans. Learn to stay out of debt and avoid scams.
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Phone scams
Scammers use both live and robo calls to trick victims. Here are tips on how to avoid the scam. 
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Protect your identity
Learn what identity theft is and how it works. Get tips for protecting your information and credit.
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Savvy consumers
Use our tips on making smart purchases, not getting cheated, and avoiding bad deals.
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Summer scams
Warm weather can bring out the scammers. Here is how to spot some common scams.
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AG James at a podium with several others

Crime and safety


Crime victims' bill of rights
Victims' rights include the right to know, involvement, protection, help, and reparations.
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Hate crimes
Learn to protect yourself and others if you experience a hate crime.
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AG James presenting a check for park rehab

Environment


Fighting climate change on the road
Get tips on fighting climate change and pollution generated by transportation and fossil fuels.
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Lead paint poisoning
Avoid and test for lead paint poisoning. Know your rights when renting, owning, and improving your home.
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Mold in your home
Find out how to remove mold from your home after storms and flooding.
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Solar tips for homeowners
Interested in solar panels? Here are some common options and issues to consider.
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AG James standing a a podium for abortion rights

Health


Abortion rights in New York 
New York protects the abortion rights of everyone, including transgender and nonbinary people.
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Advance directives
Learn about end-of-life health care, including advance directives, pain management, hospice care, and organ donation.
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Health care helpline
Our Health Care Bureau safeguards your health care rights, mediates disagreements, provides resources, and investigates fraud and abuse.
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Health and prescription discount cards
Understand how discount cards work, get advice on making smart purchases and avoiding scams, and learn about OAG services.
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Indoor tanning
Know the facts. Don't fall for myths and misconceptions. Keep yourself safe.
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Mental health parity laws
Insurance companies must cover treatment for mental health as they do for physical health. Learn your rights.
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Mold in your home
Learn how to remove mold from your home after storms and flooding.
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Reproductive health care services
State and federal laws protect both those who provide and those who obtain reproductive health care services in New York.
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Urgent care centers
Understand how urgent care centers can fit into your various health care options.
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Victims of domestic violence
New York laws protect victims of domestic violence, particularly in housing and employment.
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AG James at a podium with a sign that reads protecting tenants

Housing


Co-op boards of directors
Read about leases and other documents, and rules and powers of cooperatives' boards. Get tips for tackling problems.
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Deed theft
Understand how to avoid deed theft and similar scams and keep possession of your home.
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Demonstrating financial hardship under the Tenant Safe Harbor Act
Learn how to demonstrate financial hardship with both traditional and nontraditional income types to stay in your home.
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Fair housing
Read about the laws concerning discrimination in the rental, sale, or financing of homes.
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Law enforcement tenants' rights guidance
We provide guidance to law enforcement responding to complaints that tenants or guests are improperly meeting at a building or grounds.
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Immigrant tenant rights
Immigrant tenants have rights in New York. We provide resources for more information and guidance.
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Tenants' rights
Understand leases, rent, livability requirements, safety issues, utility services, and personal protections (does not include cooperative or condominium issues).
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Tenant harassment — New York City
Here are tips on what you can do as a tenant to protect yourself from harassment by your landlord.
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Tenant harassment — outside New York City
Here are tips on what you can do as a tenant to protect yourself from harassment by your landlord.
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AG James giving presentation to seniors

Seniors


Advance directives
Learn about end-of-life health care, including advance directives, pain management, hospice care, and organ donation.
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Grandparent scheme
Many scammers target grandparents. Protect yourself from fraudulent schemes.
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Smart seniors, smart investors
Get tips for older adults about making smart investments and avoiding investment fraud.
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Smart seniors
Understand how to protect yourself against scams, threats to your health, and elder abuse.
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AG James with a group of students

Students


Paying for college
Raise your financial IQ: Get tips for understanding and financing college expenses.
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Students, credit cards, and banking
Raise your financial IQ: Learn about applying for and using credit cards and banking services.
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AG James at a podium with a sign that reads keeping kids safe online

Technology


Consumer guide to web tracking
Manage how businesses monitor you online to protect your privacy.
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Identity theft kit
Here are immediate steps to take if your identity or other personal information has been stolen.
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Protect your identity
Understand what identity theft is and how it works. Get tips for protecting your privacy and keeping your credit safe.
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AG James with a group of health care workers

Workers


Equal pay
Learn your rights and get helpful resources to ensure that you are paid fairly and equitably.
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Employees' rights
The law protects all workers' rights in New York. Understand your rights and learn where to find help.
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Employment discrimination
Learn about laws concerning workplace discrimination and what you can do if you face it.
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Religious rights in the workplace
Understand the rights and responsibilities of workers and employers in accommodating religious needs.
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Sexual harassment in the workplace
Learn what sexual harassment is and the steps a victim can take. Retaliation for a sexual-harassment complaint is illegal.
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stack of printed publications

Request print publications

Printed publications are available for free in English, in addition to Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Italian, Korean, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Urdu, and Yiddish. You can request multiple copies or large-print format.